Adaptive response of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del to severe aridity in the Western desert of Egypt

Document Type : Regular issue (Original Article)

Authors

1 Assiut University

2 Botany Dept., Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharga,71511- Egypt

3 Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, Egypt

Abstract

Desert date or Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del is one of the most prevalent, wild plant species in the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. The desert date tolerates a broad range of soil types and can be found in a variety of habitat types. It has a wide ecological distribution but is mainly found on level alluvial sites with deep sandy loam and free access to water. B.egyptiaca is used in African and Indian traditional medicine. Many underutilized tree species are good sources of food, fodder and possible therapeutic agents. B. aegyptiaca tree is considered drought tolerant and a potential source of many secondary metabolites. This study investigated the adaptive and physiological response to severe aridity and drought stress on the growth of B. aegyptiaca in El-Kharga Oasis, which is the driest region in the Western Desert. Clay soil was found to be dominant in the mechanical soil analysis. Weakly to moderately calcareous soil carbonate was found, and the estimated pH values of the soil solution appeared to be slightly alkaline and exhibited a comparatively high electric conductivity. Total free amino acid concentration was greater than that of soluble protein and sugar. Results indicated that B. aegyptiaca is a drought-tolerant plant in severely arid areas that are subject to drought stress.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Botany
Volume 64, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 313-323

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